Alberta Right-of-Way Rules: Roundabouts, Peds & 4-Way Stops
July 26, 2026 · 6 min read · Pass Your Learner's Team
Right-of-way questions show up across the Class 7 test in different disguises — a four-way stop, a roundabout, a pedestrian crossing, a cyclist in a bike lane — and each has its own rule. Memorizing one general "be polite" idea isn't enough; the test wants the specific rule for the specific situation.
Four-way (and uncontrolled) stops
The first vehicle to come to a complete stop goes first. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. At an intersection with no signs or signals at all, the same "yield to the right" rule applies — treat it like an unmarked four-way stop.
Roundabouts
Traffic already inside the roundabout has the right-of-way. Entering vehicles yield to traffic coming from the left before entering, signal when exiting, and never stop inside the circle except to avoid a collision.
Pedestrians
- At a marked crosswalk or intersection, drivers must yield to a pedestrian who has already started crossing — don't just yield to someone standing at the curb, yield to someone in the crosswalk.
- At a stop sign or red light, pedestrians crossing with the signal always have the right-of-way over turning traffic.
- Even where pedestrians technically don't have the right-of-way, a driver must avoid hitting them — right-of-way is something you yield, never something you take.
Cyclists
Cyclists follow the same right-of-way rules as vehicles at intersections and stops. When passing a cyclist, leave as much space as you would for a car, and check for cyclists before turning right or opening a door into a bike lane.
Left turns across oncoming traffic
A left-turning driver yields to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right, and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk. Never assume oncoming traffic will stop for you — wait for a safe, clear gap.
Why this trips people up on test day
Right-of-way questions are usually written as a scenario, not a definition — "you arrive at a four-way stop at the same time as another driver approaching from your left, who goes first?" That means memorizing the rule in the abstract isn't enough; you need to have answered enough scenario questions that the pattern is automatic.